The World Bank Group operations in conflict affected States and the Ruggie Principles: an opportunity for accountability

Abstract

In spite of the efforts that both States and International Institutions have carried out to prevent Human Rights abuses related to development activities, the results obtained have not completely fulfilled the expectations. In fact, in some cases, they have contributed to weaken the delicate balance in conflict-affected areas, increasing poverty and marginalization. Indeed, the WBG activities in Fragile and Conflict States face several challenges regarding the implementation of the UNGPs and their analysis is crucial in the improvement of social risks linked with Banks operations in conflict-affected areas. To this regard, the present paper analyses the system created by the WB to avoid Human Rights violations and how it can be influenced by the UNGPs. The author has divided the WBG system in two structural elements: Operational Policies and the Bank Risk Assessment analyzing. At the same time the paper face the issue of the immunity regarding human rights violations.

Keywords

• World Bank Operational Policies
• Human Rights and Business
• Grievance Mechanisms
• Access to Remedy
• Compliance Bodies
• Judicial and Non-Judicial remedy